Physics question (o...
 

[Closed] Physics question (or motorbike restoration qn!) - involving vinegar & fuel tank

 Aus
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Have an old motorbike and inside of fuel tank was quite rusty - superficial I think but enough to clog up carbs. So I have:
- drained the tank
- filled with vinegar
- left for 36 hrs sloshing it occasionally
- drained it (lots of rust flakes and rust coloured vinegar out)
- hose pipe inside and rinsed
- it looks very clean
- filled with water and bicarb soda
- rinsed with water
- empty as best is possible
- filled to the brim with petrol (to avoid flash rusting if left to dry)
- added Wynns dry fuel to absorb/emulsify the water
- plan to leave for a while and then drain a mug flu or 2 of water from the prime pump (thinking water sinks to the bottom)

And then good to go.

Now I've done all this. But is the logic sound, or have I really messed up.


 
Posted : 05/08/2014 6:26 pm
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It's chemistry rather than physics. Personally I'd have used another acid to pick up the oxide, probably phosphoric like most rust removers. But your procedure seems sound


 
Posted : 05/08/2014 7:48 pm
 Aus
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and not drying the tank but using an emulsifier that'll burn off (I think) - seem OK


 
Posted : 05/08/2014 9:25 pm
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nice try... empty the tank od fuel allow to vent/ dry them use a proper tank liner the stuff from frosts in rochdale is best..


 
Posted : 05/08/2014 9:29 pm
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Now I've done all this. But is the logic sound, or have I really messed up.

I've no idea about the answer to your question, but surely the time to ask is [i]before[/i] you did all those things? If you're wrong it's a bit late.


 
Posted : 05/08/2014 9:30 pm
 Aus
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Cougar, very true but enthusiasm got the better of me and I reckon if I'm wrong, it'll not be catastrophic!


 
Posted : 05/08/2014 9:54 pm
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Then I wish you well. (-:


 
Posted : 05/08/2014 9:56 pm
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Coke is a better rust remover than vinegar as it contains phosphoric acid. Have cleaned loads of stuff with a mixture of that or brick cleaner for really knackered stuff.

I've also used these [url= http://www.fuel-tank-renu.co.uk/pages/tanks.html ]people[/url] before on sumps that were dying. The coating's a bit like glass reinforced plasticoat, only thicker and a bit more gloopy. Worked a treat.


 
Posted : 05/08/2014 10:19 pm